Here are some of the questions I am frequently asked. Should you have any further questions, please use my contact form, call me on my cell phone or drop me an e-mail.
What services do you carry out and which languages do you cover?
I specialize in written translation and proofreading of legal and corporate texts in Dutch, French, English and Spanish.
What is the difference between translation and interpreting?
Translation is moving a written text from one language into another, whereas interpreting is conveying spoken words into another language.
Why do I need a professional translator?
Your company may need documents translated for export/import of its products or may need its website translated to attract new business.
However, just because a person speaks another language does not necessarily mean that he/she can translate. Translation involves very specific skills that are required in order to convey the message without losing any of its meaning or adding extra meaning.
Mistakes in translation can result in odd translations that make you look unprofessional. This can have devastating effects on your business.
A good translation should never be noticed because it will pass as if it was originally written in that language.
Why can’t I just use Google Translate?
Google Translate is also known as machine translation: you insert your text and it is automatically translated by a computer.
This is fine for short, general sentences, but computers are unable to recognize the specific context of a text and may pick words that do not fit in with the text as a whole.
This can lead to all kinds of problems if the word that has been picked changes the meaning or tone of the text.
Why choose a freelance translator rather than a translation agency?
If the translation involves only a handful of languages, using a freelance translator is more convenient. I will be your single point of contact and the only person who will work on your legal documents.
What are source languages and target languages?
The “source language” is the language of your original document.
The “target languages” are the languages into which the document is translated.
How do I get a certified legal translation?
Legal translations sometimes have to be sworn or certified when providing official translations for public authorities.
Translations are sworn by the certified translator via a written declaration stating that the translation has been made by a qualified translator and that it is accurate to the best of his/her knowledge.
Sworn translations must be issued in paper format, since they have to include the certified translator’s signature, stamp and written declaration.
In order to certify the translation I need to see either the original or an extremely legible and complete scanned copy of the document. All stamps, seals, and handwritten items must be visible and legible because I translate everything that appears in the document. If there are any parts that are illegible or scored out, I will state that in the translated document.
In some cases the certified translation must still be signed at the Court of First Instance, depending on the purpose of the translation and in what country it will be used.
This requirement may vary depending on the requirements of the body, which is why you should inform yourself of the type of translation required on each occasion.
How do I collect my sworn translation?
You can collect your sworn translations at my office or you can have them sent to an address of your choosing.
How is confidentiality going to be adhered to?
I carry out all legal translations myself for confidentiality reasons.
To translate a website what should I do?
You should send me the link and the contents to be translated in word format.
I need to identify some specific content in a document. Can you provide this service?
I can read the document on an hourly basis and either summarize the text or just skim it to search for what you are looking for. If needed, I could then translate just these sections.
How long will a translation take?
The time frame depends on document type and translator availability. However, as a rough guide
a skilled translator can translate around 2500 words per working day.
Complicated legal documents often take longer than more straightforward texts as I will need to make frequent use of reference material to ensure accuracy.
I will give you a time estimate when confirming a quote for the service.
How much will it cost? Will there be additional charges for complex lay-out?
I usually charge per source word. There will be higher rates for more complex documents requiring more research and specialized vocabulary.
In case of a more complex lay-out the final cost will depend on the time spent achieving the task rather than the number of words.
Send a scanned copy of the document to my e-mail address and I will provide you with a quote immediately.
How is payment to be made?
I accept payment by bank transfer or by TransferWise.